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"We continue to provide consular assistance to the men and their families, during what has been a very difficult and distressing time.

“During the men’s six month detention, consular staff visited them on 18 occasions, secured them better food and other small comforts, and passed on letters to loved ones. Since their release from prison, we have continued to provide assistance - including putting the men and their families in contact with organisations that offer help, from financial assistance to counselling.

“Ministers have also taken a close interest in the detention of the Seaman Guard Ohio crew and have met the respective MPs and family members on a number of occasions. And while Ministers from the Prime Minister downwards continue to raise their case at every opportunity, this is a legal - not a political – case and the British Government cannot interfere in another country’s legal process, just as we would not allow another country to interfere in ours.”